Earn your BM in Percussion

The University of Iowa Percussion Program nurtures the serious study and creative exploration of percussion. Percussion students at Iowa have the advantages that a large and vital university community offers--like frequent residencies with world-class guest artists--while enjoying individualized attention and a supportive, welcoming environment and abundant opportunities to perform.

Iowa Percussion’s comprehensive approach to education gives students the extensive background necessary to pursue future endeavors in the field. Graduates are regularly accepted into other major percussion programs as graduate teaching assistants, teach on the faculties of colleges, universities, and public schools, and perform in a wide variety of musical settings.

Facilities for percussion at Iowa are excellent, with 10 dedicated practice and storage rooms and a large inventory of top-quality instruments. Iowa Percussion and the Hawkeye Drumline play exclusively Yamaha concert and marching percussion instruments and Sabian cymbals, and endorse Latin Percussion (LP) instruments and Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets.

Already applied and admitted to the university? Prepare to audition with the School of Music.

Requirements and program planning

Download course checklist

general catalog

Course Offerings

Guest Artists

Steven Schick Residency

Percussionist and conductor Steven Schick visits the University of Iowa for a residency filled with student and community engagement.

Caroline Shaw addressing Percussion and String Quartet students in our Recital Hall as Dan Moore listens attentively

Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion

Composer and vocalist Caroline Shaw visited campus to perform at Hancher Auditorium with Sō Percussion and the Iowa Percussion Ensemble in March 2024, and spent time in residency with our students. 

Create your academic path

You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.

Current course list

The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.

Percussion faculty

Portrait of Dan Moore

Dan Moore

Title/Position
Percussion
Professor
Percussion Area Head

Practice and perform

Need to book a music room, request an accompanist, check out audition information, rent a locker, or use a recording studio? Visit the Music Callboard for all scheduling and policy information.